Gangs of poachers have been killing nearly a rhino a day in South Africa, in a surge of attacks that has shaken this wildlife-rich country.

The poachers have hit Palala. At Riaan Kotze’s game ranch here, five rhinos have been killed for their horns in the past year.

On another private game reserve nearby, Phila, a 5-year-old black rhino female was shot at least nine times in two separate attacks but she managed to survive. Phila was attacked by the poachers even though her horn was cut off to deter them. The protective measure didn’t work as they went after the stub of horn that was left.

Phila has become a South African celebrity of sorts because she succeeded in surviving the brutal attacks. To protect her, the rhino was taken this week to the Johannesburg Zoo to recover under tight security and the close watch of veterinarians.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/south-africa/101015/south-africa-rhino-poaching-crisis